Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Mar 13: In order to maintain the water level at Thumbe vented dam which feeds water to the city at a decent level during the summer months, the city corporation is expected to announce rationing policy for water supply to industries.

City mayor Premananda Shetty, has already clarified that the people of the city will not face shortage of drinking water this summer. The corporation has approached the district administration with a request to downwardly revise the water supply quantities to industries in order to make sure that the city does not face drinking water shortage.

Thumbe dam (file photo)

As per current information, inflow of water into the Thumbe dam might stop in about a week. The current water level of six metres at the dam might be sufficient for the city for 90 days. Last year too, the water level was six metres in March. If the city does not receive rain in May, rationing may have to be enforced on drinking water. To take enough precautions now to handle such a situation, the corporation officials feel, it is necessary to regulate water use by industries.

The city had rationed water in 2016, 2017, and 2019. In 2016 unprecedented water shortage was experienced and tanker water was used all over the city. Some water from Lakya dam was also used. Learning a lesson from this experience, the corporation in 2017, resorted to plumping of water for 48 hours and then suspending it for the next 36 hours. Water supply was also cut to industries. In 2019, water rationing was enforced to industries. Last year there was no water scarcity but water rationing was enforced for industries.

The people in general have to use water judiciously and responsibly so that there will not bje a crisis if rains are delayed. There is a need to be aware about the use of water and learn skills about handling water without allowing it to go waste.

Premananda Shetty, said that the corporation has already approached the deputy commissioner of the district with a request to cut down the quantum of water being used by industries. He said that the deputy commissioner is expected to hold a meeting soon and make a suitable decision. Deputy commissioner Dr Rahendra K V, said that the first round of talk over water rationing has already been held to take precautions to make sure that the city does not face water shortage. He said that the government will take steps on the practicability of rising water level at the dam and making rent payment to the owners of the land which will be submerged.